How Ebola Is Affecting Christie and Cuomo Politically

The controversial Ebola quarantine policy announced four days ago by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie quickly blew up into a national issue and complicated Mayor Bill de Blasio's effort to calm fears of the disease in New York City. In the background of this debate is the upcoming November election, when Cuomo — a Democrat — is seeking re-election, and the 2016 presidential election in which Christie —a Republican — could be a contender.

"In terms of [Cuomo's] appearance with Governor Christie, this is a governor who worked with Senate Republicans, wanting to make sure the [state] government works well, so in terms of his reelection campaign, he's not really losing too much with those appearances," said WNYC's Brigid Bergin. "In terms of what he's trying to do with those protocols, he's emerging as a leader managing a crisis. Now, the unfortunate part is — some of his crisis communication could use some work."

Bergin and New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz spoke to WNYC's Amy Eddings about how Ebola is affecting Cuomo and Christie politically. Their discussion took place on the same afternoon that the Cuomo Administration released a written version of its protocol for preventing Ebola.

Matt Katz, New Jersey Public Radio/WNYC

Political reporter Matt Katz is The Christie Tracker at WNYC.org. NJ Spotlight is hosting his blog and running his stories, which can also be heard on WNYC 93.9 FM and 820 AM, as well as New Jersey Public Radio: Trenton 88.1, Sussex 88.5, Netcong 89.3, and Toms River 90.3.